On this episode of Eclectic Soundtrax, lead singer and songwriter A.L.X. from the NYC-based rock band Love Crushed Velvet chats with hosts Victor Ramos and Skunk Manhattan! LVC’s music, like New York City, is diverse, edgy and enticing. Carefully crafted songs combine elements of alternative, glam, post punk, new wave, modern and classic rock, and the roster of producers and musicians A.L.X. has worked with is impressive, to say the least.
After collaborating with drummer Thommy Price (Billy Idol, Joan Jett, Blue Öyster Cult), as well as acquiring lead guitarist Jimi Bones (Joan Jett, Blondie) and bassist Enzo Penizzotto (Joan Jett), Love Crushed Velvet recorded their debut album at Shabby Road Studios, Kingsland Recording in Brooklyn, NY, and at Brian McGee’s NY studio. Mixed by veteran producer and engineer Dave Bascombe, the album was released in 2011; in 2015, the band released both the EP Delusions and the album Firefly. The next few years saw the singles “Other Places”, a re-release of “Rise Up” and “It’s a Holiday, Come Over” — a Christmas song, accompanied by a fun animated video. Now, after teasing with singles and cutting-edge videos for the past few years, Love Crushed Velvet has released their latest full-length album, Souls and the Barren Heart.
And, this episode is fully loaded…
Learn about A.L.X.’s background growing up around NYC, his songwriting process, his experiences in Nashville, some of his collaborations, the new music he’s working on and the impressive virtual reality videos (such as The Light Inside and The Future) that have accompanied recent singles on this brand new installment of Eclectic Soundtrax. The latest song, “Saddened Eyes”, was just released to coincide with the band’s new album. Even though the band’s lineup has varied for live performances, some veteran players include keyboardist Linda Leseman, bassists Drew Mortali and Darren Korb, drummers Aaron A. Brooks and Massimo “Max” Majorana, and guitarist and longtime songwriting partner, Jay Stone. A.L.X. has been performing shows in Italy and has toured around Europe, as well as the U.S. The band even did a sponsored tour of Australia!
Love Crushed Velvet links: Facebook | Instagram | Website
About the podcasters
Skunk Manhattan:
Skunk is a musician, primarily known as the frontman and guitarist for eclectic heavy-rock band A Good Rogering. Since moving to Austin in 2004, he has recorded and performed with a wide variety of bands and solo artists over a career spanning more than 20 years and has shared the stage with notable acts, such as Skid Row, Marty Friedman, Uli Jon Roth, George Lynch and Metal Church among others. Skunk not only works as a performing musician and recording artist, but also as a producer and music teacher. With two decades of insight into what it means to be a professional musician and a passion for not only music, but comedy and general chatter, Skunk was quick to jump at the opportunity to co-host a podcast with longtime friend, Victor Ramos.
Victor Ramos:
A Texas native, Victor’s early musical influences are a mixture of classic rock albums played by his Vietnam vet father and a whole lot of ‘the Fab Four’ via his Beatles-loving mother. Sprinkle in some classic country and Motown, and you have a man that would say “¿que?” when other Tejanos would ask what his favorite cumbia was. After a stint in the Marines, Victor moved to Austin in 2000 and began working in the tech industry. He met Skunk in a Spanish class in 2005 and the two discovered a shared passion for not only beer, but music. After years of collectively attending concerts and talking music, the idea to start a podcast centering around such topics seemed like a logical endeavor.
Eclectic Soundtrax links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Partners & sponsors: Top Shelf Music | Yay+ | 5 Iron Woodworks | Tregan Guitars | Godin Guitars | Ernie Ball
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